Free My Girl by Stormy Glenn

the table, then put two long-stemmed candles between them. He messed with the setting for a few minutes, moving the salt and pepper shakers around the candles until they were placed just where he wanted them. Candlelight for ambiance was great but not if he couldn't see the person across from him and gaze lovingly into his eyes.
    Even though things had kind of been cemented between them a few nights ago, Nicky wanted to formally tell Seth he wanted to stay even when the mess with Morales was over. He wanted Seth to know what was in his heart and prayed for the day when he could stand next to the man as another man.
    Nicky had a little bounce in his step as he walked into the kitchen to check on the meatloaf he was cooking for their dinner. He glanced at the clock on the wall and knew Seth was due any moment. Little butterflies fluttered in his stomach as the time drew closer.
    Nicky was nervous, which just made no sense to him. He knew Seth wanted him, cared for him. He was pretty damn sure the man would be ecstatic when Nicky committed himself to staying and building a life with Seth. Still, he couldn't help wrapping his fingers around the delicate necklace at his throat. It gave him some measure of calm.
    At the sound of a key fitting into the front door lock, all calm Nicky felt flew out the window. He'd never committed himself to someone for the long haul. Maybe Seth had changed his mind? Maybe Seth didn't love him enough? Maybe…
    "Hey, babe, something smells good."
"Hey, Seth."
Nicky's hand fluttered nervously at his neck. He
    watched from the kitchen entry as Seth took in the decorated dining table, the soft music playing in the background, and the carefully placed items for later sitting in the living room area.
    "What's all of this?" Seth asked as he glanced over at Nicky.
"Dinner?"
"With candlelight?" Seth looked at bottle of lube sitting on the coffee table next to a blindfold and a tray of whipped cream and chocolate covered strawberries. "And toys?"
Nicky shrugged. He could feel his face flaming but the grin that spread over Seth's face when he looked back made up for any embarrassment Nicky felt. "Call it a surprise celebration dinner."
"A celebration dinner because…?"
Nicky walked over to stand in front of Seth. He was unable to keep the happy grin off of his face when he saw the delight in Seth's chocolate brown eyes. "Does there have to be a reason to celebrate? Can't I just be happy to see you?"
"Of course," Seth said as he wrapped an arm around Nicky and pulled him closer for a kiss. Nicky melted against Seth. He would be eternally convinced that no one on the planet kissed as well as Seth. "But I'd be happy to see you without all the fanfare."
"Me, too." Nicky chuckled as he pushed away from Seth and took his jacket, carrying it to the closet by the front door. He turned back to grin at Seth's confused frown. "However, I have a special reason for this celebration dinner besides your scintillating company."
"Oh? Do tell."
Nicky nervously pushed his hair back from his face and tried to draw courage from the welcoming smile on Seth's face that spoke of love and acceptance. "I wanted to tell you th—"
Nicky swore silently under his breath went his phone went off. He was geared up to tell Seth everything. He did not need the interruption. However, it was his cell phone and the only person that ever called it was Detective Elliot Storm.
"Hello, Elliot."
"Nicky, you need to get out of your apartment and hide," Elliot said quickly. "I discovered a leak in my department. Morales knows where you are and I think he's heading in your direction."
Nicky's heart thundered as he gripped the phone. "A leak? What are you talking about? What leak?"
"I suspected that Morales received inside information on where you were when he attacked and killed the two US Marshals. I was right. Someone from inside my own squad was feeding Morales information. Fucking bastard was taking bribes."
"Oh my god," Nicky whispered. "Did you